Kelsey Donkin avoids jail for ‘bang bang’ joke on PC David Rathband

Kelsey Donkin has been spared jail by a judge after shouting ‘bang bang’ at PC
David Rathband, who was shot in the face by gunman
Raoul Moat.

Appearing at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, 22-year-old Ms Donkin admitted a public order offence over the incident, which happened when PC Rathband attended the Crown Court case of two of Moat’s accomplices.

Kelsey Donkin has been spared jail for her cruel taunt towards PC David Rathband (PA)

Ms Donkin shouted ‘bang, bang’ at the police officer and made a gesture like she was using a shot gun towards PC Rathband, reportedly in an effort to impress her friends.

The officer, who was left blind by the vicious attack by Moat, was so upset he had to leave the court and go home. Moat shot PC Rathband twice while he was sat in his patrol car before leaving him for dead.

Ms Donkin was originally told she could face up to 12 months in prison as a punishment for her behaviour. However, District Judge Stephen Earl ordered her to pay £105 costs out of her benefits and issued her with a 12-month supervision order.

District Judge Earl said: ‘To make fun of such an incident, frankly, is a mark of immaturity and pathetic, juvenile behaviour.’

The young mum-of-three has now apologised to PC Rathband in a letter and said she was pleased to have avoided a jail sentence.